One could see this command simply as a contrast to the instruction once given to Daniel (Daniel 8:26; Daniel 12:4). Then the thought would be that the prophecy given to Daniel was too opaque to be comprehensible (since it pertained to the more distant future) while the prophecy given to John would unfold before the readers’ eyes and thus be comprehensible. More attractive, however, is simply the pressing point of this paragraph, that is, the need to keep
the words of this prophecy. If keeping is so urgent (and generates blessedness), John may not delay sharing this revelation with the seven churches (delaying would effectively seal up the words of this prophecy from some readers for a shorter or potentially longer period). On the contrary, he needs to ensure that the seven churches receive the trustworthy and true words of this prophecy as soon as possible. After all, the time is near.
It should further be noted that the verb directed to John (do not seal up
) comes from the same Greek word as occurs so frequently in Revelation 5:1–6:17 when the Lamb breaks open the seven seals of the scroll. Since the Lamb can make the contents of that scroll happen, the world needs to know! Seeing its prophecies unfolding is to see proof of the Lamb’s sovereignty.
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near.